Ricketts becomes Tom Terrific

The Cubs front office is currently under major construction for the first time since John McDonough departed for the Blackhawks after the 2007 season. No one knows exactly who will go or stay in the Theo Epstein regime, but everyone is braced for some major changes in front-office philosophy. As the new kids on the block take over at Clark and Addison streets, here's an updated flowchart and a brief synopsis of duties and responsibilities. -- Paul Sullivan More Cubs player photos | Send in your fan photos

That’s four All-Stars, an MVP and a potential future closer, all drafted and developed by the Red Sox under Epstein.

There are some other names Cubs fans need to know. Jason McLeod, for one. He’s the newest whiz kid coming out of San Diego’s front office expected to join Epstein here. He’s credited with drafting Pedroia, Ellsbury, Buchholz and Bard. The backs of their baseball cards are the backs of his baseball card.

You’ve probably already read about Jed Hoyer, the Padres general manager expected to take that spot under Epstein. Hoyer was the co-GM of the Red Sox when Epstein left for a couple months and took the opportunity to cut the deal for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell that helped win the second of two World Series on Epstein’s watch.

That’s why Epstein wants to get the band back together. Of course, given their ages, it’s like getting the boy band back together. The Cubs’ new front office will need a treat parent.

But it’s going to take time, maybe even more time than the Epstein deal took. The Cubs and their fans aren’t used to waiting. Aren’t used to winning World Series, either. Connect the dots, people.

There is still the matter of compensation, and with Bud Selig and Major League Baseball entering the Cubs-Red Sox talks, I believe compensation for Epstein will be determined by the league that wins the World Series.

But whatever way it goes, Ricketts got it done. He made a defining move in his family’s ownership of the Cubs. Full marks.